UN 1045 — Fluorine, compressed
Placard: Toxic Gas. ERG Guide 124. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1045 is Fluorine, compressed, a Class 2 toxic oxidizing gas assigned to ERG Guide 124. It is extremely reactive, corrosive and capable of intensifying fire even though it is not a fuel.
Hazard overview: UN 1045 presents toxic inhalation, corrosive contact and strong oxidizer hazards. Fluorine may react vigorously with many materials, including moisture, and can produce highly corrosive products; responders should avoid direct contact and water application to the leak unless directed by specialist guidance.
Response guidance: For a UN 1045 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, cylinder markings, SDS and ERG Guide 124. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, avoid vapor contact, use air monitoring when available and consult ERG Table 1 when applicable.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1045 should emphasize toxic inhalation risk, corrosive vapor exposure, SCBA discipline, Table 1 protective actions and cylinder leak-control limitations. Common errors include relying on odor, entering low areas without monitoring, applying water to a reactive leak and selecting splash PPE without respiratory protection.
Regulatory context: Fluorine, compressed is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Cylinder, workplace exposure, storage, reporting and environmental requirements may vary by product, quantity and jurisdiction. Responders should verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, cylinder markings, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Fluorine, compressed should be stored in compatible containers or cylinders in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area with toxic/corrosive gas controls, leak detection where required and segregation from incompatible materials. Protect containers from heat, corrosion, impact, valve damage and unauthorized access.
UN 1045 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1045
- TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; may be fatal if inhaled.
- Gas or vapor may severely irritate or burn eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Contact with liquefied gas may cause frostbite and chemical injury.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or vapor suppression may be corrosive or environmentally hazardous.
- Vapors may collect in low or confined areas depending on product and release conditions.
- Containers may rupture or rocket when heated.
- Strong oxidizer; can vigorously react with or ignite many materials.
- Reacts dangerously with water or moisture and may form highly corrosive fluorides or hydrofluoric acid.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Pale yellow to greenish-yellow gas with a pungent, irritating odor. Extremely corrosive and reactive oxidizer.
| Also known as | Fluorine gasDifluorineMolecular fluorineF2 |
| CAS Number | 7782-41-4 |
| Appearance | Pale yellow to greenish-yellow gas with a pungent, irritating odor. Extremely corrosive and reactive oxidizer. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable but supports combustion) |
| Boiling Point | -188C (-306F) |
| Vapor Density | 1.3 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts violently with water producing toxic and corrosive hydrofluoric acid and oxygen |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1045
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Positive-pressure SCBA is required for suspected toxic gas exposure. Chemical-protective clothing should be selected using SDS, monitoring results, leak conditions and incident command; Level A may be needed for close entry into unknown or high-concentration toxic/corrosive vapor.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1045 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Do not touch damaged cylinders, tanks, valves or released material unless properly trained and equipped.
- Avoid breathing gas, vapor, mist or fire gases.
- Many toxic or liquefied gases may spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
- For highlighted materials, consult ERG Table 1 for Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials, increase the precautionary distance downwind based on release size, weather, monitoring and incident command.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1045 — Fluorine, compressedUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.